National T20: Northern thrash Central Punjab despite Babar Azam's century

Haider Ali’s sensational unbeaten 91 helped Northern comfortably chase down a 201-run target against Northern Punjab despite 105 knock by skipper Babar Azam.

The right-handed top-order batter, who was later adjudged player-of-the-match, played a series of sensational shots in his 91-run innings off 53 balls (six fours, six sixes).

Haider set the platform for the chase with a stroke-filled 84-run third-wicket partnership with Mohammad Nawaz who scored 41 off 21 balls (two fours, four sixes). Nawaz, who was the player-of-the-match for Northern in their victory last night against Southern Punjab, played some powerful shots to put the Central Punjab bowlers under pressure.

Haider continued his aggressive batting mode even after Nawaz’s dismissal, he hit two back-to-back sixes off Ehsan Adil as Northern continued their charge towards the big target.

Asif Ali helped Haider overcome any nerves in the death overs by scoring 28 off 14 balls (three fours, one six).

Northern completed the chase with two balls to spare with Haider at the crease along with his captain Shadab Khan.